Royston CONTENTS B A L A ...... 47
Sight Information Point Braughing Parish Community Plan - Save Money & Go Green ...... 14 Buntingford and District Social Club ...... 28 Buntingford Citizens Advice Bureau ...... 16 Buntingford Civic Society 'Have a Voice' ...... 26 Buntingford Civic Society Membership application ...... 48 Buntingford Classic Car event 2008 ...... 18 Buntingford Cougars ...... 20 Do you find your glasses are not quite enough and are looking for reading Buntingford Gardeners Club ...... 24 Buntingford Photographic Group ...... 39 and writing solutions and equipment to help with everyday tasks? Buntingford Relief in Need Charity ...... 7 Then visit Royston Sign Information Point Buntingford Swimming Club ...... 27 at Royston Library, Market Hill, Royston Buntingford Town Council ...... 32 First Wednesday in the month 10:00am - 12noon Buntingford Town FC ...... 25 Buntingford W I ...... 9 Call in to view magnifiers, a good selection of boldfaced and talking Bygone Days ...... 37 watches, kitchen aids, simple to use memo recorders, telephones for all Christ Church United Reformed Church ...... 46 and equipment to assist with everyday tasks. Christmas at Buckland Barn ...... 30 Dates for your diary ...... 5 Hertfordshire Society for the Blind Tel/Fax: 01992 588145 Did you know? Invalid carriages and the law ...... 29 Email: [email protected] Website: www.hertsblind.com Editorial ...... 7 Charity No. 1047148 Friends Of Chernobyl‟s Children (FOCC) ...... 12 Friends of Orchard Surgery - Annual Craft Fair ...... 43 Furneux Festival ...... 19 Gardening year ...... 31 Hay & Haylage - Logs for sale ...... 13 Have you enjoyed this month’s Journal? I Realise - poem by Teresa Bonner ...... 17 Isabel Hospice events ...... 36 If so, why not have it delivered regularly to your door. Join Buntingford Civic Society and Just up your street - Animal Attraction ...... 15 part of your fee will pay for your Journal and the remainder will go to the Civic Society Laura Nuttall - Miss Hertfordshire ...... 19 whose efforts monitor the town we value. Layston School Quiz night ...... 38 Letters to the editor ...... 8 BCS MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Looking ahead - poem by Beryl Rhodes ...... 43 Memories of my childhood in Buntingford Part 5 - Peter Wonnacott ...... 44 Millfield First and Nursery School ...... 26 I / We* wish to apply for family membership of the Buntingford Civic News from Freman College ...... 42 Society, at the annual subscription rate indicated below. News from Layston C of E First School ...... 33 Out and about in October ...... 6 Name/s: ______Recipes for October - Green Tomatoes ...... 40 River Rib Railings ...... 27 Address: ______Royston Sight Information Point ...... 48 Safe return - Mr Ryall ...... 43 Post code: ______Tel: ______Spud you like - by Vyse ...... 22 St. Elizabeth Centre - 1st Annual Apple Day ...... 17 I / We* enclose £7 door delivery subscription / £12 postal subscription * St. Mary's Aspenden, St. Peter's Buntingford, St. Mary the Virgin Westmill ...... 29 Signed: ______St. Richard of Chichester ...... 38 Thank you Val ...... 10 Send to: Chris Eagle (Membership Secretary) The Night Sky in October ...... 34 5 Monks Walk The Ramblers ...... 13 Buntingford Useful local information ...... 2 Hertfordshire SG9 9EE *delete as appropriate Westmill Art Exhibition ...... 9 What‟s on in October ...... 3 48 1
USEFUL LOCAL INFORMATION B A L A Buntingford Action for the Less Able POLICE STATION: Baldock Road, Buntingford. Registered Charity No. 1094426 Non-emergency 0845 33 00 222. Saturday Police Surgeries: First Saturday of the month, 10:00am - 12noon in the Minibus trips for October 2008 Manor House. Thurs 2nd 9:30am - 12ish Bishop's Stortford Town Centre Bus £4 GAS: Emergency (gas leaks) telephone 0800 111 999. Tues 7th 10:30am - 2:30pm Letchworth - drop off at Morrisons Bus £5 ELECTRICITY: Emergency (power loss) telephone 0800 7838 838. Thurs 9th 9:30am - 12ish Tesco at Bishop's Stortford Bus £4 WATER (Three Valleys): Emergency telephone 0800 376 5325. th Sat 11 2:30pm Performance - "Calamity Jane" at Gordon Craig - Bus £4
DOCTORS: The Medical Centre - White Hart Close. Tickets £12.50 Telephone 01763 271362 (24 hours). Tues 14th 9:30am - 12ish Bishop's Stortford Town Centre Bus £4 Orchard Surgery - Baldock Road. Telephone 01763 272410 & 272411 (after hours). Tues 21st 10:00am - 3:00pm Cambridge - drop off at Grafton Centre Bus £7 Debenhams, BhS etc. FAMILY PLANNING: Clinic every Wednesday 6:30pm - 8:30pm at The Medical Centre. Telephone 01763 271763. Thurs 23rd 9:30am - 12ish Tesco at Bishop's Stortford Bus £4
th B A S H (Buntingford Action Providing transport for hospital/doctors appointments, Tues 28 10:30am - 2:30pm Bury Lane Farm Shop & Country Homes & Gardens, Bus £5 For Social Help) telephone Jane Winter 01763 271484. Garden Centre & Crafts etc.
th DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, RACE, Confidential Information help-line, telephone 01992 Thurs 30 9:30am - 12ish Bishop's Stortford Town Centre Bus £4 HATE or RAPE CRIME: 554440 (in an emergency, dial 999). November 2008
LOCAL COUNCILS: East Herts District Council - telephone 01279 655261. Sat 1st 2:30pm Performance - "Copacabana" at Gordon Craig - Bus £4 Housing - telephone 01279 714714. Tickets £12.00.
Benefits - Freephone 0800 373852. th Buntingford Town Council - telephone 01763 272222. Thurs 6 9:30am - 12ish Tesco at Bishop's Stortford Bus £4
BUNTINGFORD LIBRARY: Telephone: 01438 737333 (enquiries). To book a seat or for more information 01438 737373 (renewals). phone 01763 273623 or 01763 271708 Mondays: 09:00 - 13:00 14:00 - 18:00 Tuesdays: 09:00 - 13:00 14:00 - 18:00 Wednesdays: CLOSED ALL DAY We Made It! Thursdays: 09:00 - 13:00 14:00 - 18:00 Fridays: 09:00 - 13:00 14:00 - 18:00 We are absolutely delighted to announce that we purchased a new replacement mini-bus at the end of September. Our grateful thanks go out to the people of Buntingford for their donations, anonymously and otherwise, also grants received from Buntingford Memorial BUNTINGFORD CITIZENS The Manor House, High Street, Buntingford - telephone Charity, the Town Council and East Herts Council. Not to mention the number of cups of ADVICE BUREAU: 0844 848 9700. coffee, tea, cakes, sausage rolls, soup and strawberry teas consumed, the raffle tickets Mondays: 10:00am - 4:00pm 6:00pm - 8:00pm bought, marmalade enjoyed and bric-a-brac bartered for! It has all gone towards the new Wednesdays: 10:00am - 4:00pm bus whilst still maintaining and running the old bus. Thursdays: 10:00am - 4:00pm A very big thank you to one and all to make all this possible. We hope that many of you Closed Tuesday and Fridays (telephone advice available). will enjoy trips in the new vehicle!
HOUSEHOLD WASTE SITE: Watermill Industrial Estate, Aspenden Road. Veronica Easley - For the Trustees of BALA
Open: Mondays - Fridays 5:00pm - 8:00pm th Saturday & Sunday 10:00am - 1:00pm COFFEE MORNING Wednesday 15 October at Benson Hall 10:30am - 12 noon Coffee Raffle Cakes Bric-a-Brac Marmalade 2 47
WHAT'S ON IN OCTOBER? CHRIST CHURCH Look in the BUNTINGFORD JOURNAL MONDAYS UNITED REFORMED CHURCH BALDOCK ROAD BUNTINGFORD 10:15am – 11:30am „Little Stars‟ Music Group at Buntings Nursery - every 2 weeks. Contact Michelle on 01763 272868.
MINISTER: Rev Duncan Goldie SECRETARIES: Gwen & John Edwards 10:30am – 12 noon Iyengar Yoga Classes at URC Hall - term time only. Contact Jen The Manse “Great Stones” Harris on 01920 821288. Meeting Lane Hare Street Melbourn Buntingford 11:00am Light exercise and mobility for 50+ at Seth Ward Community Centre. Cambs SG8 6AN Herts SG9 0AD Contact 01799 550190. Tel: (01763) 260747 Tel: (01763) 289460
MORNING WORSHIP EVERY SUNDAY AT 11.00am 6:30pm – 8:00pm Shotokan Karate at Seth Ward Community Centre. Contact Peter Deacon on 01462 642922. October 5 Morning Worship Rev Carole Pearl 12 Morning Worship Dr Pamela Cressey 7:00pm – 8:00pm Ladies Exercise Classes – Gymball at Benson Hall. Contact Jacqui 19 Holy Communion Rev Duncan Goldie on 01763 274681. 26 Holy Communion Dr Jeffrey Barham
November 2 Morning Worship Rev David Vyles 7:30pm – 8:15pm Abs (body toning) session at Fit Together Gym, Buntingford. Contact 9 Remembrance Day service Al on 07739 131694.
This year's Remembrance Day service will be held on the 9th November and will start at 8:15pm Circuit Training at Seth Ward Community Centre. Contact 01920 the War Memorial at 11:00am service and afterwards at Christ Church at 11:15am. 823677.
REGULAR ACTIVITIES TUESDAYS Junior Church meets at 11.00am every Sunday during term time and welcomes all 9:15am – 10:15am Badminton at Seth Ward Community Centre - £2.50 per session. children and young people. Contact 01763 273712.
The Bright Hour - a time for fellowship with prayers, hymns, activities and regular visiting 9:30am – 11:00am Tuesday Toddlers at URC Hall. £1.50 includes drink and snack. speakers - meets on alternate Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm in the Church Hall. Term time only. Coffee & Company, organised by ‘Churches Together’, is held in the Church Hall every Thursday morning from 10.30am for anyone wanting fellowship and time for a chat. 1:00pm – 3:00pm Leapfrogs Pre-school Cookery sessions for ages 2-5 years - £6.75 per session. All welcome. It is not necessary to be attending the pre- Lunches organised by Christian Aid are held in the Church Hall from 12.30 to 2.00pm on school, however booking is required. Please call 01763 289942. the first Friday of the month. Term time only.
7:00pm – 8:15pm Grade 5 Ballet Lessons, Layston School. Contact Philippa on 01763 Visit our website at www.buntingfordurc.freeserve.co.uk 271010.
Friends of Jenyns WEDNESDAYS 10:00am for Buntingford Adult Learning for Fun. 'Turkey from the Ice Age to ‘Nearly New Sale’ 10:30am – 12noon Ataturk', Tutor Ian Hones – 10 week course at Seth Ward at Jenyns School, Braughing Community Centre. th Sunday 12 October 2008 10:30-12:30 5:30pm – 7:00pm Cougars under 11‟s football team training sessions at Norfolk Road. Quality Children‟s Clothing for 0 -16 yrs. Contact Mark on 07801 419800. Baby Equipment, Toys and Maternity Items. Refreshments and Raffle. £1 entry. 6:00pm – 7:00pm Circuit Training for 50+ at Seth Ward Community Centre. Contact Those interested in a sellers pack should contact 01799 550190.
Kirsty on 07710 414147 or Clare on 07968 182993 46 3
WHAT'S ON IN OCTOBER?
Look in the BUNTINGFORD JOURNAL Tom also carried a good stock of supplies and you could usually get what you wanted
without too much trouble, (this was one of the shops that Allen, my brother, worked in for a WEDNESDAYS short while on leaving school). 7:30pm – 8:30pm Ladies Exercise Class – Circuits at Seth Ward Community Centre. Contact Jacqui on 01763 274681. Then there was Simmonds, the greengrocers, whose shop was alongside the alleyway that led through to Wyddial Road and often used by us as a short cut on our way to and 7:30pm – 8:15pm Boxercise/Tae Bo session at Fit Together Gym, Buntingford. Contact from school. (Again another shop my brother Allen worked at for a short time also). Al on 07739 131694. Coming back down further, I recall the cycle shop, run by David Boorman (where mum 8:00pm Horizon Divers at Freman Pool. Contact 01920 823955. purchased my first two wheel grown-up bicycle from and I also bought my first racing bike when I first started full time employment). THURSDAYS Further on we came to a small shop that stocked all types and colours of cotton thread 9:30am – 11:00am Little Ones Mother & Toddler Group at Scout Hut. Contact Jean on and wools. I think the proprietors name was Mrs Saggers and I think another sweet shop 01763 272081 or Clare on 01763 273019. was somewhere close by as well,
9:30am Body Toning at Seth Ward Community Centre. Contact 01799 Next to this and on the corner of Great Lane was a small café run by the husband & wife 550190. team of T Owen-Smith, a pleasant man who would always be found at the Causeway on our school sports days selling ice cream from his mobile cool box on wheels, which he 11:00 am Light exercise and mobility for 50+ – Seth Ward Community Centre. would cycle up there. (A very welcome asset when you were parched on a hot summers Contact 01799 550190. day, as they were in those days).
Crossing over Great Lane we came to the bakers shop owed and run by the Easton Story-time for under 5‟s at Buntingford Library. Singing, stories, a 2:15pm – 2:45pm Family, one of the assistants being Edna Glover. (You may recall my earlier mention of sweet or biscuit and a picture to colour. Edna and Sid, her husband buying the smallholding in Wyddial Road).
6:15pm – 7:00pm Jazzercise Class at Seth Ward Community Centre. Next I remember The Eastern Electricity shop and then the other shop, owned and run by the Stephens family, then further on was another Barber Shop, owned and run by Ted 5:30pm - 10:00pm Buntingford Swimming Club at Freman Pool. Contact Alan Bowell on Devonshire. Then somewhere in the region of and opposite Baldock Road I think, was a 01920 821722. restaurant of some sort. Moving further down, there was an old double shopfront general clothes store, taken over and run by a man and wife team from London. This was 8:00pm – 10:00pm Badminton Club at Seth Ward Community Centre. something new to a small town like ours and arrived in a blaze of glory in the early sixties, with stickers stuck all over the shop windows saying such things as, “We bring you London FRIDAYS prices, Quality Clothing” etc, etc, and “ We are not a flash in the pan, We are here to stay”. 9:30am – 10:30am Badminton at Seth Ward Community Centre (term time only). Well, he did keep a good stock and the prices were reasonable and he was a very nice, helpful chap. However, trying to run a business in the city is not quite the same as in the 9:30am – 11:30am Tot‟s R Us Baby & Toddler Group, Cottered Village Hall. Everyone country and for the first six months or so he did very well but being a good natured man, welcome. Special baby area. Messy play and art activities. Adult & one downfall he suffered was allowing loads of people in and around the town to have child £2, extra child/adult 50p, includes fruit and drinks. credit accounts or “The Slate”, as it was termed. A further couple of years on or so, his Contact Sharon on 01763 272494. custom fell drastically by the wayside, with a large portion of the people never attempting to settle their accounts and never intending to for whatever reason best known to SATURDAYS themselves. He realized his dream of “We are Here To Stay” slogan was turning into a 9:00am – 12:30pm Ballet Classes at Layston School for children aged 3 – 18 years. very damp **squib, as was his personal enthusiasm. He promptly closed the shop before Contact Philippa on 01762 271010. he became bankrupt and put more notices in the windows, saying such other things as “ I thank ALL my customers for their support, except for the ones that still owe me lots of 12:00pm – 2:00pm 6 – 10 year olds money, of which I leave a list of all their names in this window just to shame them all”, and 2:15pm – 4:15pm 11 – 15 year olds other notices saying such things as “ This is a One Horse Town and the next Stagecoach Stagefrights Theatre Club, United Reform Church Hall, Baldock will be calling through here in Six Months Time”. I think it safe to say he was one Road. Contact 01763 273610. disgruntled, disappointed person, whose ambition and determination to make this project succeed, had been shattered so badly. Cllr John Warren Surgery Monday – Friday at the Manor House. Contact 01763 To be continued 273344 for an appointment .
4 45
MEMORIES OF MY CHILDHOOD IN BUNTINGFORD DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
(Part 5) st Wednesday 1 7:45pm for 8pm Buntingford Gardeners Club at URC Hall. By Peter Wonnacott th Saturday 4 10:00am – 12noon Buntingford Heritage Centre, Manor House. An
ever-changing display of Buntingford's history. Admission free.
Moving on, I remember the Stephens family that opened a greengrocers shop each side of Saturday 4th 10:00am – 12noon Police Surgery at the Manor House. the road. I often went out with one of their sons, Roger, who was around my age. Then I recall the Co-op managed by a Mr Morrell, and one of his assistants at that time was a Monday 6th 8:00pm Buntingford Adult Learning for Fun. Second of three Illustrated young man named Stan Bull, of similar age to my brother Allen, who became a very good talks on the History of Antarctica, at Seth Ward Community Centre. lifelong friend of my brothers. Stan became a well-known person around town and for many years served as a town councilor. Tuesday 7th 8:00pm Buntingford & District Cage Bird Society. Enquiries 01920 438482. Part of that same building and next door, was the Co-op Butchers, managed by Norman
Ward. Next to that was a shoemaker and menders eventually run by Mr Jarvis. Then we Wednesday 8th 8:00pm Royal British Legion meeting at The Crown PH. came to a rather large newsagents and toyshop run by the Burrell Family. Further on we saw an old general stores called Cutts & Budds, which was managed, by Mr William (Bill) Thursday 9th 7:30pm for 7:45pm Buntingford WI at URC Hall. 'Childhood Interrupted' Budd and his two sisters. Further on we came to the Doctors surgery, run at that time by by Kathleen O'Malley. 'Save the Children' Christmas cards. two doctors being, Whigfield and Leeming and assisted by a lady named Eunice Clark. Then we came to, I think it was a butchers shop, named Howletts, with another butchers Thursday 9th Buntingford Swimming Club Championships at Freman Pool. just a few doors away, namely Piggotts. There was also at one time a fishmongers in the vicinity, at that time run by the Ashton Family, and then there was Moss‟s, another large Saturday 11th 2:00pm for 2:30pm St. Richard's Church – Bingo at Benson Hall. general food shop, of which at least two of the personnel were known by me, one being a Mr Ernest Howard, a gentle spoken pleasant man who lived with his father somewhere Sunday 12th Buntingford Railway & Local History Society 'Walking the Old down the Bridgefoot area of town, the other being a young lady named Joyce Miller, from Buntingford Railway Line'. Buckland, a small village a few miles further on the A10. Monday 13th 8:00pm Buntingford Adult Learning for Fun. Final talk on the History of Joyce‟s father, I believe, at some time or other, got to know my father as well and Antarctica, at Seth Ward Community Centre. somehow the situation developed whereby Joyce would come to our house each day for a good wholesome hot dinner each day, instead of her having to endure sandwiches each Wednesday 15th 10:30am – 12noon BALA Coffee morning at Benson Hall. day. th Joyce ended up being courted by one of two brothers that were living in Archers and being Thursday 16 Buntingford Swimming Club Championships at Freman Pool. part of the Deards family, this was Ronald, whom she married, moved into a house of their Friday 17th 8:00pm Buntingford Railway & Local History Society. 'History of the own in Archers, and started a family. Sadly for some medical reason, Ron passed away Royal Gunpowder Mills' talk by Richard Thomas, Crown PH. and a while later she married Ron‟s brother “Digger”. Once again, this person also passed away leaving poor Joyce on her own, partner wise. Saturday 18th 10:00am – 12noon Buntingford Heritage Centre, Manor House. An During all this time the family became members of the Social club in Great Lane and ever-changing display of Buntingford's history. Admission free. became involved in the running of the place, ending in certain rooms in the club being th named after these two brothers as a memorial to them. Saturday 18 7:30pm Layston First School Quiz Night. Phone Debbie & Matt for tickets on 01763 272398. See page 38. Upon writing this, I am led to believe through the grapevine, that Joyce still lives in the area although it‟s been many years since our paths crossed. I would like to track her down Saturday 18th 7:30pm Buntingford Acoustic Evening at The Bury, Charity Event for on one of my future visits to the town, just to say “hello” and catch up on a few things. Herts. Young Farmers and Peace Child International. Family Event. £2 entry. Bar and live local bands. Anyone who wants a performing slot Crossing over the road and heading back down the town, I recall the best sweet shop in ring Suzi Bowden 07505 409466. town (probably), was run by the Castle family and managed by Mrs. Castle. An excellent rd stock of sweets and chocolates was always on offer by this lovely, genial, happy go lucky Thursday 23 10:00am – 12noon Mobile Exhibition for Easier Living at URC Hall. lady and was frequented by many children going to and from the senior school each day, Wednesday 29th 2:00pm for 2:30pm St. Richard's Church – Bingo at Benson Hall. Then I recall the ironmongers, owed and run by Mr Tom Borsberry and son, Thomas junior. Wednesday 29th 7:30pm Buntingford & District Flower Club AGM at Benson Hall followed by 'Our Mystical Earth' by Jo Bromwich. 44 5
OUT AND ABOUT IN OCTOBER SAFE RETURN
Saturday 4th and Furneux Pelham Festival. The Romans are coming! Weekend of Mr Ryall has arrived back safely at Freman after crossing Canada on his bicycle this Sunday 5th fun and entertainment. See page 19 for full details. summer. He has plenty of stories to tell, including being caught in the middle of nowhere during a hail storm and meeting a bear on his campsite. The adventure covered almost th st Saturday 11 11:00am – 3:00pm St. Elizabeth's 1 Annual Apple Day at St. 4,500 miles and five time zones. Pedalling from Vancouver on the Pacific to Halifax on the Elizabeth's Centre, Much Hadham. For further information contact Atlantic, he crossed the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, the isolated Canadian Shield Liz Smith 01279 844257. See page 17 for full details. region, and finally the gentler landscape of eastern Canada before flying back to England
th in August. Sunday 12 10:30am – 12:30pm. Friends of Jenyns „Nearly New Sale‟ at Jenyns School, Braughing. Quality children‟s clothing for 0 -16 years old. When asked he said, “I would not say Baby equipment, toys and maternity items. Refreshments and raffle. that there is a specific highlight for me. £1 entry. Contact Kirsty on 07710 414147 or Clare on 07968 The entire experience of meeting many 182993. See page 46. people, seeing the variety in the landscape, encountering so much wild- Saturday 25th Braughing Parish Community Plan – Save Money and Go Green. life, and enduring an average of seven 10:00am – 3:00pm The Community Centre, Green Lane, Braughing. hours a day on the saddle, was as See page 14 for full details. humbling as it was rewarding.” Sunday 26th Children's Halloween Party at Cottered Village Hall. 2:00pm - His parents and brother flew out east to 5:30pm Fancy Dress Competition Ages 0 - 14. Tickets £6.00 in be there when he completed the ride advance or £7.00 on the door - price includes food and drink. and to help celebrate his achievement - Tickets from Catherine Chamberlain telephone 07837 761074. Two months to cross the continent. Monday 27th 10:30am – 12noon and 2:00pm – 3:30pm. Children‟s Pottery Well done Mr Ryall! and Workshops for children aged 5 years & over. Fee £6 per session Wednesday 29th including materials, homemade refreshments and one firing. Small groups of 7 or 8 maximum. Contact Kate Daniel 01438 869438 to
book or for more information. Crafts Cake stall Tombola Looking Ahead
Bric
Bric
st Friday 31 10:30am – 12noon. Children‟s Pottery Workshops for children aged All this rain
-
5 years & over. Fee £6 per session including materials, homemade -
a Friends of a And work in the garden
-
refreshments and one firing. Small groups of 7 or 8 maximum. -
Raffle Raffle
brac brac
brac brac
Still to do, Contact Kate Daniel 01438 869438 to book or for more information. Orchard Surgery There is no gain
From the weeds & slugs, ugh!
LOOKING AHEAD - NOVEMBER
Homemade soup & rolls & rolls soup Homemade Homemade soup & rolls & rolls soup Homemade ANNUAL October may bring th Sunday 9 Remembrance Day Service 11:00am at War Memorial and 11:15am Clear skies and frost, at Christ Church. CRAFT FAIR Then all beans Saturday 15th 10:00am – 3:00pm Friends of Orchard Surgery, Annual Craft Fair at AT And outdoor tomatoes
Benson Hall. Will be lost. BENSON HALL
ON So, prepare for the worst Homemade soup rolls &
If you would like to have your event in these Diary of Events pages, Homemade soup rolls &
th And hope for the best, please contact Joyce Jackson on 01763 271463 15 November Dig up the spuds first
or email: [email protected] Then harvest the rest.
brac
brac 10:00am - 3:00pm
Raffle
Raffle -
-
a
a - Please note: The Civic Society also provides a Diary for local - Happy gardening!!
organisations to enter their events to ensure they do not clash.
Bric Bric
All Welcome
This is now in the Manor House. Tombola stall Cake Crafts Tombola stall Cake Crafts Beryl Rhodes Sept. '08 6 43
EDITORIAL NEWS FROM FREMAN COLLEGE Well I survived my first edition of the Journal and hope that you enjoyed it. Not too many
glitches I think. I hope being editor number 13 isn't going to be unlucky!
ugust brought exceptionally good news for students collecting their exam results A little disappointed not to have any of your suggestions for different types of articles etc. at the college. for the Journal, can only think that it covers everything you want or that you were all away
Our GCSE students, most of whom are now in the Lower Sixth, deserve great on holiday. Anyway, if you do think of anything please let me know. It would be great to A praise for their fantastic results which broke several college records set just last have some input from the younger readers too and that is something I will work on. Also year! 75% of students achieved five or more A* - C grades, with 68% of students achieving were are your old photographs? Somebody must have some tucked away somewhere. the government‟s new „gold standard‟ of five or more A* - C grades including English and Mathematics. On both these measures they exceeded the college‟s previous best by 4%. Thanks to all of this months contributors without which there wouldn't be a publication. These results are substantially above the national and county averages.
However, what pleases me most about these results is not simply the proportion of top Deadline for the NOVEMBER Journal is grades students achieved. After all, this could simply be due to the fact they are very clever! A better measure of their success is how well they have achieved in terms of their 21st OCTOBER 2008 ability – the amount of progress they have made. The vast majority of students met and in many cases exceeded their targets. Impressively, our analysis shows that the students‟ performance in achieving 5 A* - C including English and Mathematics, places them in the Copy: Aliya Chowney, 5 Longmead, Buntingford SG9 9EF (01763 272040) top 25% of all students nationally for their progress. This „value added‟ is a real tribute to the hard work and commitment of students across the ability range and of course, the skill email: [email protected] and dedication of their teachers. Advertising enquiries: Bob Jackson (01763 271463) email: [email protected] Similarly, we were delighted by the performance of our A level students this summer. The University of Durham, who analyse our results for us each year, have just informed us that Diary entries: Joyce Jackson (01763 271463) email: [email protected] the progress, or „value added‟, achieved by the students places them in the top 17% of all A level students nationally. With students off to study an enormous range of subjects at a host of top universities, it is a pleasure to see that yet again, everyone‟s hard work has The views expressed in letters and articles in the Buntingford Journal are not paid off. necessarily those of the Editor. Another pleasing piece of news also reached us at the beginning of this term when we learnt that the college has been awarded Healthy Schools Status. This national reward reflects the variety of ways in which Freman encourages students to keep fit, eat sensibly and adopt a healthy lifestyle. There is so often a great deal of negativity about teenagers Buntingford Relief in Need Charity in the media, but this award reflects the way in which students at Freman are making Registered Charity No. 262264 healthy, positive choices. Just one part of this has been the great success of our new fitness suite, which has proved popular and is open to students before and after college Vacancy for a TRUSTEE and at lunchtimes. Would you like to help to run one of Buntingford‟s oldest Charities? We certainly seem set for another successful year ahead. The college‟s ever-increasing Not sure and would like more information? Tel: 07969 991865 popularity means that we are in a strong financial position to continue Freman‟s development and we are committed to providing our students with a better education with The Trustees meet at least two or three times a year each year that passes. While we are really pleased with the successes achieved in this to discuss management of property and distribution of income. year‟s exams, we are certainly not complacent.
We have a busy and challenging year ahead of us. However, there is much to look forward Applications in writing are invited from residents of Buntingford too – it‟s not all hard graft! In the first term alone, we have House Drama, this year‟s and the surrounding villages by no later than 1st November 2008 to: Shakespeare The Taming of the Shrew, Prize giving and the Christmas concert to look forward to, not to mention a huge range of sporting events and activities and some very Mrs V Hume, Secretary, exciting educational trips and visits including Sixth Form visits to Iceland and France. I do Buntingford Relief in Need Charity hope members of the community will come along to enjoy the performances taking part 38 Monks Walk, Buntingford, Herts. SG9 9EE this term. Please include the names of two referees Helen Loughran, Headteacher 42 7
GREEN TOMATO JAM (2) FROM W I BOOK OF UNUSUAL PRESERVES
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR For each 1lb of tomatoes you will need: 1lb sugar with pectin, ½ oz root ginger, 6 chillies or allspice berries. by email I have just visited your lovely town this morning for an essential shop during the weekly Steam tomatoes until tender, place in a pan with the sugar, spice and ginger tied in muslin. market. Having purchased my fruit and veg, I wanted to return to my car opposite as I Boil hard for about 20 minutes until set – not too long or it will not be a nice green colour. realised I had only a half hour left in my allotted time in the space I was parked. As I Taste occasionally and remove spice bag if taste too hot. crossed the road, I was nearly knocked over, along with four young boys en-route to school, by a passing truck who couldn't have seen us until the last minute. This is because there were two or three vans selling goods by the town sign obscuring the view of the GREEN TOMATOES IN GINGER SYRUP FROM W I BOOK OF UNUSUAL PRESERVES oncoming traffic to pedestrians and vice-versa.
I thought I would drive up the High Street where it is free to park for two hours, only to find Prepare the tomatoes by placing them in boiling water for a few minutes to remove the the road blocked by workmen repairing a few paving slabs at a time. Yet the men selling skins. Pack tightly into sterilised preserving jars. flowers by Barclays were allowed to park dangerously. Something amiss, I thought. For the syrup: for 1 pint of water allow ½ lb sugar and 3 large pieces of bruised root Undeterred, I ventured along Bowling Green Lane towards the (once-free) car park, only to ginger. Bring to the boil, allow to cool, then pour over the tomatoes in the jar. Keep for 3 find myself in a bottle neck as mums were delivering children and coaches were doing months before using. their best to safely pass the parked cars. (I was later told that a Traffic Order was in place to draw yellow lines along this quiet road.) I did go into the car park and found I was the fourth car to pull into one of the 100 spaces - the rest were empty! It occurred to me that the cars along Bowling Green Lane were rightly avoiding the newly introduced charges, so in an act of solidarity I put my money back in my pocket, drove out of the car park and eventually onto the High Street above the road closure. Don't be surprised to hear that the High Street was completely empty of cars. I parked free for another couple of hours and went about my business easily as the town was unusually quiet this morning.
I spoke with the men laying the slabs and they said that the road was shut for their safety, despite their high visibility equipment and clothing. Fair enough I thought, but what about Market Hill and Bowling Green Lane - that's dangerous! What about the traders businesses in High Street - they must be suffering a downturn during these works?
Whilst meandering, I noticed a statutory sign on a lamp post which indicated that the High Sterilising jars/bottles Street will soon have a 1 hour waiting limit and I chatted to a lady-friend who advised that Prepare your jars in advance so they are ready to use. Thoroughly wash new and used the local Council had agreed this, along with the yellow lines in Bowling Green Lane, to jars and remove any old labels. encourage people to use the town car park, which we now have to pay to use. So all of this is about the council getting my money? Method 1 - Oven Preheat the oven to 140°C or gas mark 1. Wash jars as above and place them on a clean Everyone I came across had a view that the parking, traffic management and road repairs baking sheet or roasting tin and put in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until completely dry. in the town was a diabolical mess - caused by a few people with a small amount of authority. It has to be said that it is quite incredible that a small issue for a few shillings to Method 2 - Microwave pay for a car park which has already been paid for and given freely to Buntingford people Ensure there are no metal parts on the jars and fill them 1/4 full with water. Place in a to use, has caused all of these problems. Common sense and compromise seem to be circle in the microwave and bring to the boil on full power. Using oven sadly missing in your council. gloves, remove jars and empty out the water, turn up side down onto
This visitor won't now ever pay to use the car park, even though I will soon only have an a clean tea towel or kitchen paper. hour to attend to my business in the town with the reduced waiting times pending. The net result is that I shall probably spend less money in Buntingford and potentially shop Method 3 - Dishwasher elsewhere altogether - according to last week's Mercury, the Town Councillors believe the Place the jars upturned in the dishwasher and put through a hot wash and drying cycle. opposite. I feel sorry for those residents and businessmen who have to suffer the Pat Webb's unnecessary problems that a few blinkered people have caused. Chutney
A Braughing resident
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RECIPES FOR OCTOBER BUNTINGFORD WI
As our President was on holiday, Vice President Pat Webb welcomed four visitors to our Due to a very disappointing summer, there are sure to be many local gardeners, who do September meeting and we hope they will all end up joining us. All ages are welcome and not have the luxury of a greenhouse, who have been left with a glut of green tomatoes that it would be nice to have some younger members – we may not be „W.I. Lite‟ (yet) but we are refusing to turn red. Pat Webb from Buntingford's WI has kindly supplied some like to think we have something for everyone and are always open to suggestions. delicious recipes for using these green fruits. Caroline from Country Flowers in Buntingford gave a demonstration at our September meeting of some Christmas arrangements. Yes, we know it seems a bit early to think about Christmas but, as one helpful member pointed out, it is „only‟ 15 weeks away! With GREEN TOMATO CHUTNEY some sprigs of ivy and conifer, Caroline transformed an oasis ring before our eyes into a beautiful door wreath. A few artificial Christmas roses and some cones completed the 5lbs green tomatoes 1 quart spiced vinegar (see below) picture. I think it took about 10 minutes and Caroline said her record for making wreaths is 100 in one day! 1lb onions 8oz raisins 1oz salt 8oz sultanas We have our Group Meeting on October 1st at the Benson Hall when Keith Baldwin will be 1lb sugar 1lb cooking apples, peeled, cored and sliced talking about All the Queen‟s Horses and All the Queen‟s Men. Some members were hoping he would come dressed in his full uniform – maybe those members should join „W.I. Lite‟!!
Slice the tomatoes and chop the onion, mix together in a basin with the salt and leave Our next monthly meeting is on October 9th at the United Reformed Church Hall at 7.45 overnight. p.m. when Kathleen O‟Malley will give a talk entitled “Childhood Interrupted”. As always, visitors are very welcome. Next day add the sugar to the vinegar and bring to the boil, then add the raisins (which may be chopped), sultanas and apples. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add the drained tomatoes and onions and simmer until thick, about an hour. WESTMILL ART EXHIBITION
Pour into warmed jars while the chutney is still hot. This chutney can be eaten straight We were very pleased to welcome many visitors to this year‟s art exhibition and to hear away but improves with keeping. Makes about 6-7lb chutney but quantities can be halved how much people enjoyed the display. for smaller amounts. We were able to hang work from 51 artists from the surrounding area and we sold 40 Spiced vinegar: to 1 quart of vinegar add 1oz peppercorns, ¼oz blade mace, ¼oz cloves, paintings, which was most pleasing. 6 bay leaves, ½ oz bruised ginger, ¼ oz mustard seeds, ¼ whole allspice, ¼ oz stick of cinnamon, 4 chillies crushed and ¼ oz salt. Tony Cocksedge, from Hertford, won the prize for the Favourite Painting competition with his work entitled A Time in the Forest, a much admired oil painting. Or 2oz ready mixed pickling spice, plus a cinnamon stick and 6 bay leaves. Boil the spices and salt in a little of the vinegar for 1-2 minutes to extract the flavour. Add the remaining Many thanks to those who visited the exhibition and to those who displayed work and vinegar, boil for a further three minutes, strain and cool. made the exhibition such a success.
The artists who sold work at the exhibition were:
Maisie Brigden Ronald Johnson
Roger Clarke Jean Jury
GREEN TOMATO JAM (1) FROM W I BOOK OF UNUSUAL PRESERVES Tony Cocksedge Derek Keeble
Claire Costello Eileen Kerr
PE Davies Rachel McCullock 2lbs green tomatoes, rind of one sweet orange, 1½lbs sugar with pectin. Alastair Dean Leonard Rogers
James Gooch Margaret Shelford Shred the orange rind as if for marmalade, (short shreds) and cook in as little water as Rachel Haynes Christine Spence possible until tender. Cut up the tomatoes and add to the cooked orange rind; simmer for Betty Hills Jean Swiecicki about ¾ hour. Add sugar and when dissolved boil fast for 20 minutes or until it sets. Pot as Brenda Horlock Tony Worricker for jam. (Use sugar with pectin for jam making NOT preserving sugar, for ease of setting) E M Inskip
Mavis Backhouse and Muriel Parsons
40 9
THANK YOU VAL! BUNTINGFORD PHOTOGRAPHIC GROUP
The chairman of Buntingford Civic Society, Derek Cooper, proudly presented Val Hume with a framed facsimile of the very first edition of the Buntingford Journal and Joyce The Buntingford Photographic Group Jackson, the Society's secretary, presented her with a Waterman fountain pen. has been in operation since May of this year. Over a celebratory glass of bubbly, Derek thanked Val for her hard work and dedication for over fourteen years as editor, stating that she had developed the journal into what it is today. The journal has grown in size and circulation over her time as editor and Val, The group was started by people who (although she would say it was a team effort, giving credit and thanks to all contributors), had originally attended the Hertford was responsible for the publication winning the Cambridge Building Society 'Village & Regional College Photography Community Magazine Awards' in March 2002 and also receiving a 'Highly Commended' Practical courses. At the end of the for the same Awards in 2003. courses the former students wanted to extend their photographic abilities further so formed a group in Bishops Stortford, which has been running for
many years.
Some of that group, while still attending the Bishops Stortford group, felt that they needed a larger studio area and took the opportunity of using the URC Church Hall in Buntingford. From this the Buntingford Photographic Group
Model forModel Buntingford Photographic Group was borne. LauraNuttall HertfordshireMiss 2008
The group, at present, concentrates on portrait photography using digital SLR cameras, studio lighting and live models. We meet every two months on a Friday Currently we are a „self taught‟ group evening in the United Reformed
but in the future we hope to have Church Hall. specialist teaching in different aspects of portrait photography. Although the membership is full the group is always looking for new models The membership has been fixed to and if anyone is interested in being a twelve members, as there is only photographic model and would like limited space for a number of people to further information please contact: photograph at any one time.
The very first Journal hit Buntingford shops in January 1976 selling for the grand sum of 3p. Val was the twelfth editor of the publication and Derek reminded the Civic Society At present the membership is full with a Robin Southgate (01763) 271892 executive committee that due to her devotion in producing a whopping 146 editions, the waiting list but if anyone would like to readership has increased vastly, as has the number of advertisers. The revenue comes attend a meeting to see what we do mainly from the advertisers and these monies go towards projects for Buntingford Town they would be more than welcome. itself via the Buntingford Civic Society. The new Town Boundary Signs as featured in September's Journal were primarily funded in this way.
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Layston PTA Presents Other projects that have also benefited the Town over the years have been:
Erection of the Town sign on Market Hill Quiz Night Installation of Christmas lights
Fitting of Blue plaques to buildings of historical interest Saturday Improvement of Town notice boards 18th October 2008 Provision of seats in Layston Gardens and on the Causeway At 7:30pm Tree planting in Layston Court Gardens Provision of a Layston Garden water supply at Illumination of the Almshouse frontage Layston First School Installation of the Seth Ward plaque at the Community Centre The Causeway The Cage at the bottom of Church Street Buntingford The Jubilee pump on Market Hill The milestone by St. Peter‟s Church £8 a ticket Preparation of a set of illustrated Town trails Including ploughmans supper Assistance with Buntingford area footpaths map Maximum 8 persons a team Prize for each member of the winning team When Val stepped down as editor at the end of July, it marked the end of an era. Val is still involved in the distribution of the Journal and has indicated that she would like to keep her Licensed bar hand in by supplying an occasional article (making use of her new pen!) - so watch this Tickets Available From Debbie and Matt space.
Buntingford Journal is published by, but is editorially independent of, Buntingford Civic Society. It is delivered free to members of the Civic Society or it can be purchased from:
BASRAS SUPERMARKET MARK DOEL CO-OP SUPERMARKET HARE STREET SHOP & FILLING STATION KIRKHAMS PIGGOTTS DELISSIMO WESTMILL TEA ROOM COUNTRY FLOWERS
ST. RICHARD OF CHICHESTER Catholic Church
3 Station Road, Buntingford Telephone 01763 271471
Parish Priest: Father Ian Dickie
HOLY MASS is celebrated each: Sunday at 9:30am and 6:30pm Saturday at 6:00pm at Furneux Pelham Holy Days at 10:00am and 8:00pm Weekdays at 9:15pm CONFESSIONS are each Saturday from 10:30am – 11.15am Val receiving her Journal memento from Derek Cooper
38 11
th FRIENDS OF CHERNOBYL’S CHILDREN (FOCC) 29 October - Great Amwell Art Exhibition - Private View 7pm Tickets for this lovely Private View in aid of Isabel Hospice are available from Ann Hardy Seven children aged 9 – 14 years were hosted in Hertfordshire during July. Three of the on 01920 870526. Tickets are £6. All the artists exhibiting are local and there will be drinks children were in Buntingford. The children come over to England for four weeks every year and nibbles throughout the view. If you would like to exhibit your work, please contact Ann for seven years to enable their bodies to detox. on the number above.
th nd Why? The people in the affected areas (most of Belarus) have received the highest known 30 Oct to 2 November - Great Amwell Art Exhibition Tickets for this lovely Exhibition in aid of Isabel Hospice are available on the door for prolonged exposure to radionuclides in the history of the atomic age. The Chernobyl nd nuclear reactor exploded in 1986 and they are still eating and drinking contaminated £1.50 and under 16's are free. Open every day from 10am to 5pm, except Sunday 2 produce, living in areas of highest risk to their health because there is no where else for November, which is 10am to 4pm. All the artists exhibiting are local. If you would like to them to go. exhibit your work, please contact Ann Hardy on 01920 870526.
Many of the children are true orphans or economic orphans living in large institutions, often in cramped and cold conditions. To advertise in the As a result of the effects of Strontium, (a by-product of the fall out), they all have damaged Buntingford Journal immune systems and the child morbidity rate is now higher than the birth rate. 01763 271463 call Bob Jackson on Every month they are out of the contamination zone adds approximately two healthy years to their lives as it gives their systems a boost, (the average life span is 32).
As a small charity FOCC Hertfordshire ensure that any funding received is spent on health Bygone days! checks and good quality activities for the children.
This year the children received a wonderful gift from J Oliver Radley Opticians, they gave each child a very thorough eye exam and provided glasses for the children who needed them. Vlada, one of the youngest girls, was delighted to be able to choose a shiny purple pair of glasses that made her feel like a princess! She will be having eye exams for the rest of her visits to England along with the other children, thanks to the support of James and the team.
Thank you James!
Come on then, let's have a bit of fun!
What did Fred Boniwell, Wilf Downham, Derek Muggleton (who worked at Barclay's bank) and Sylvia Downham think was so funny? Let me have your suggestions for a caption for this photograph, which was sent in by Peter Downham.
Back row (left to right) Olga, Micha, Tanya, James, Edel, Lira, Marcha and Genadie Aliya Chowney - the editor Front row (left to right) Tanya, Vlada and Andrei Contact details on page 7
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get more out of walking with the Ramblers FORTHCOMING EVENTS Royston and District Group Walks for October
Sunday 5th Morning walk Waterford, Watton at Stone – 10 miles (Leader Chris 01763 246221) OCTOBER 2008 Meet at Royston Town Hall car park 9:30am or Waterford 2-300 yards th 5 October - Great North Run up Vicarage Lane 10:15am We would love you to run in aid of Isabel Hospice in this fabulous event held every year in Newcastle. If you have a place in your own right and would like to do so, please contact Thursday 9th Morning walk Ashwell, Hinxworth – 6½ miles (Leader Kathy 01763 Pam Shepherd for more information on 01707 376782. 246988) Meet at Heath Sports Centre car park, Baldock Road, Royston 9:30am th 5 October - Sponsored Charity Fun Horse Ride A rare opportunity to ride a marvellous eight mile course, now with added optional jumps, Sunday 12th Morning walk Preston, Great Offley, Charlton – 10 miles (Leaders passing through mainly parkland of outstanding natural beauty. Angela and Peter 01462 459465) Meet at Royston Town Hall car park 9:30am or Preston, near Red Lion In aid of Isabel Hospice, Riding for the Disabled and other Rotary Charities in the beautiful PH 10:00am Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire, by kind permission of the Marquis and Marchioness of Salisbury. Raffle and refreshments available on the day. Event photographers will be Tuesday 14th Morning walk Hexton – 6 miles (Leader Mike 01462 491032) there to offer souvenirs of your experience. Details and entry forms are available via post Meet at Heath Sports Centre car park, Baldock Road, Royston 9:30am (please send a large SAE) from Horseride, c/o 2 Bury Green, Wheathampstead, Herts, AL4 8AE or email [email protected] or telephone 01582 832679. Sunday 19th Morning walk Sharpenhoe Clappers – 12 miles (Leader Mike 01462 491032) th 10 October - Ladbrokes Charity Race Night Meet at Royston Town Hall car park 9:30am This night, organised by Ladbrokes, will be held at the QEII in Welwyn Garden City and is in aid of Isabel Hospice. There will be 8 races, with 8 horses in each race. The bets will be Thursday 23rd Morning walk Graveley – 5 miles (Leader David 01763 247572) £2 each. Entry is free and there will be a raffle and a bar. If you would like to attend, call Meet at Heath Sports Centre car park, Baldock Road, Royston 9:30am Carol Hambury on 01707 261909. or Weston Pond 10:00am
th 12 October - Open Garden at Moor Place 2pm - 5pm Sunday 26th Morning walk Shefford, Campton – 9½ miles (Leaders Roger and Linda This open garden complete with teas is to be held at Moor Place, Much Hadham in aid of BST ends! 01462 453752) Isabel Hospice. Come and enjoy a lovely afternoon visiting these beautiful gardens. All Meet at Royston Town Hall car park 9:30am welcome. For further details please contact Renee Friend on 01279 755320 or email th [email protected]. Please note the date has changed from 5 October. Tuesday 28th Morning walk Great Chesterford – 5 miles (Leader Mark 01763 838409) Meet at Heath Sports Centre car park, Baldock Road, Royston 9:30am rd 23 October - Isabel Hospice Charity Brocket Hall Golf Day With a shotgun start on the Melbourne Course which is reported to be 'one of the most beautiful golf courses in England', you can enjoy a relaxing game of golf whilst raising valuable funds for Isabel Hospice. The cost is £600 per team of four, which includes green LOGS FOR SALE fees and a superb lunch. We will also be holding an auction which will include some prestigious prizes. Don't miss out on a top class day of golf. For more details, call or email Cut to size by request Lisa Seccombe on 01707 376782 [email protected] Delivered to your home 25th October - Isabel Hospice Jumble Sale Venue: Thundridge Village Hall. Time: 2.30pm. Contact Details 01920 462992 Hay and Haylage
25th October - Dance at Newgate Street Village Hall Come along for this great night which includes music and a ploughman's supper. £10 per Please contact John on: ticket. Tickets sell fast so book early to avoid disappointment. Call John Hankin for tickets on 01707 873894. Tel: 01763 272516 Mobile: 07773 845648
36 13
steps a little to a fainter star but still easily visible to the unaided eye. If you study this area intently you should pick out a glow, faint admittedly but undoubtedly there. This is a huge distant galaxy from which the light of its billions of stars has taken 2 million years to reach your eye! Any binoculars, even humble opera glasses will make this wonder very easy to find.
Can you find the light that is 2 million years old? Looking closer to home, back within the confines of our own solar system, we find Jupiter still lingers in the evening sky but is now sinking into the west as darkness falls. It remains a blazing star to the naked eye in the constellation of Sagittarius and you should still be able to catch it low in the south west at around 8pm mid month. Venus is also in the south west at dusk but is notably brighter than Jupiter. It sets an hour after the sun at the beginning of the month but is staying up for an hour and a half after sundown by the end of the month. Uranus and Neptune are to be found in Aquarius and Capricornus respectively but you will need a location chart and at least good binoculars to find them. Try the Sky & Telescope or BBC Sky at Night web sites for location maps if you wish to have a go. For those who can‟t sleep (like me) or for those very early risers, the marvellous planet Saturn has crept back into early morning skies. Found in the east, within the constellation of Leo, you can see this ringed marvel under the Lion‟s belly. There is just one major meteor shower this month. The Orionids peak on the 21st and they emanate from the debris left by the famous Halley‟s Comet. The shower has to contend with the last quarter Moon close by this year but hopefully we should enjoy a few of the brighter shooting stars. I hope we all enjoy a few more starry nights before I write for you again, so until next month I wish you clear skies.
Dale Holt enjoys receiving your emails at [email protected]
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THE NIGHT SKY IN OCTOBER
As I write the „Indian Summer‟ has not yet arrived, in fact to be honest I have enjoyed so little starlight since I last wrote for you that I‟m starting to consider taking an interest in Radio astronomy as a way to beat the clouds! On a more optimistic note October does offer a wealth of exciting things to look for in the night sky. The „W‟ shaped constellation of Cassiopeia is well placed high in the North; this is one of the easiest constellations to recognise. Scanning the area in and around the W of bright Originally from Hounslow, Hessa Riddett stars with binoculars will reveal many tight groupings of fainter stars, the smaller and more and her family moved to Buntingford 14 years ago. Hessa has worked at local schools and distant clusters appearing as misty patches of intrigue in your binoculars. Any stargazer prior to starting her business was employed by Pets Corner, the former pet shop in could do far worse than to spend a quiet half hour or so in the company of the „Queen‟ Buntingford. When the business closed down, Hessa seized the opportunity to start her Cassiopeia. own business and re-opened as Animal Attraction at 57a High Street, in November 2004. The shop is extremely well stocked with a variety of small pets and pet supplies for cats, One of my favourite star clusters in the whole sky is to be found here, NGC 457 dogs, birds, fish and small animals. She has one employee and is also helped out by her descriptively known as the „Owl Cluster‟. This delightful little grouping always pleases daughter on Saturdays. skycombers when they meet for the first time. It is visible in binoculars but probably appears more „Owl like‟ in a small telescope at low magnification. It is the beady eyes With her passion for animals, Hessa's business is also a labour of love. She shares her marked by the clusters two brightest stars that first catch the observers gaze and give this home with her two children, aged 17 and 20 and her six dogs, seven cats, three rescued hunter of the night away. Once you have the eyes, the star spangled wings and body soon squirrels (two grey and one black which have been hand-reared), two meerkats, two become apparent. Once located, this beautiful and amusing cluster will draw you back turkeys, one goose, fifteen chickens, five rabbits, twenty guinea pigs, ten rats, three time and time again. Do let me know how you get on when you meet the owl? chinchillas, two parrots and one bearded dragon!
From her years of experience in looking after such an array of animals, Hessa is extremely knowledgeable and is always more than happy to give advice not only on how best to look after your pet, but also what type of pet would be most suitable for you and your family.
Being a small local business, Hessa can‟t keep everything in stock but she is very accommodating and even if she doesn‟t stock a particular brand or type of product, she will endeavour to get it in for you as a special order, usually within a few days.
When asked what she specialises in, she would say the variety of breeds, especially rats (who are intelligent and affectionate making them extremely good pets), guinea pigs and rabbits. She gets very excited when she discovers a new breed of small animal and is compelled to buy one or two!
As with all the businesses in the High Street, Use this chart to help locate the lovely ‘Owl Cluster’ parking can be a problem and Hessa would ideally like a parking bay outside her I use the constellation of Cassiopeia to point the way to the great Andromeda Nebula, premises or a bit of leeway from the traffic which isn‟t actually a nebula at all but a huge galaxy and the largest most distant object wardens when her customers have to carry that our unaided eye can see from our location on Earth. large sacks of animal food, which can weigh You will need a dark spot away from house lights and street lamp and eyes well 15 – 20kg, to their cars. accustomed to the dark to spot it. Once you have located it as with most objects in the sky you will be able to return to it with remarkable ease in future. So, if you are looking to buy some peanuts for your blue tits, a guinea pig for your You will note that the right hand „V‟ of the Cassiopeia W has an additional bright star just youngster or a new hutch for your lop-eared off of its tip. Imagine a line drawn from the bright star forming the tip (Alpha Cass) through bunny, drop in and have a chat with Hessa the extra star (Zeta Cass), continue this line out across the sky for a short way until you and she‟ll help you out and, of course, you can Hessa with one of her furry friends come to the next bright star, stop here. The bright star is Mu Andromedae, retrace you find her ‘Just up your street’. 34 15
BUNTINGFORD CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU The Manor House, Buntingford Telephone 0844 848 9700 LAYSTON C OF E FIRST SCHOOL email: [email protected] Mondays 10:00am – 4:00pm 6:00pm – 8:00pm Wednesdays 10:00am – 4:00pm Thursdays 10:00am – 4:00pm Closed Tuesdays and Fridays – telephone advice available on those days
I love playing in Dear Lord, I was nervous on the field and my first day back EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE Thank you for our rolling down the school. Thank you to school but now hill. I am confident. My for our teachers. by Billy teacher is fun and Thank you for our Q. I had to give up work a few years ago because I was diagnosed with a progressive, friends. very kind. incurable disease. I‟ve been on incapacity benefit ever since but I‟ve heard there‟s a big Amen by Jack drive to get people off this and now I‟m worried sick my money may suddenly be stopped. I by Ryan would love to be able to work again, but I don‟t think many employers would put up with me needing to take lots of time off sick and for hospital appointments. Poems, thoughts and prayers from A. Incapacity benefit is being replaced by a new payment called Employment and Support the children of Layston C of E First Allowance (ESA) in October as part of the Government‟s welfare reform plans, but this School about the new school year shouldn‟t affect you, as it will only apply to new claimants. Sick and disabled people and their new classes.
already getting Incapacity Benefit will continue to get this. However, if you are worried about any aspect of your claim, contact a CAB adviser to discuss this in confidence. Back to school is I have been in my really fun, the new school for 3 It is envisaged that people currently receiving Incapacity Benefit will eventually move onto subjects are so cool. days. Layston ESA, but there are no firm proposals or dates for this at present. Mrs Cooper and Mrs school is fun and I Hall are there to help have made some If you would like to explore the options for getting back to work, you should get support to us on our way. Dear God, Thank new friends
do this – without pressure to take on inappropriate work or be rushed into a job before you Hooray! you for helping me by Gregory are ready – from a specialist adviser who understands the difficulties you face and the by Isaac get through my realities of the workplace for people with disabilities and long term ill-health. first day nervous feelings. Part of the Government‟s plan is to help people back into work by providing increased Amen support to find sustainable employment. But it is also accepted that some people will by Paris always be too sick or disabled to work and they will continue to be supported through the benefits system. After 6 weeks on
holiday I was so I look forward to For more information and advice on sickness and disability benefits go to the Citizens excited to be back. I school every day Advice website, www.adviceguide.org.uk or contact your local bureau. am really looking because we have so forward to golden
much fun. When I left year 3 time and all the by Jake I was really nervous lovely activities we about my new class, will do.
but I am not any by Mae more. I am happy to see my friends and teacher. I am glad to be back at school Whilst every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of information again. contained herein, the editor assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in by Maria this publication. 16 33
BUNTINGFORD TOWN COUNCIL You are invited to our A QUALITY TOWN COUNCIL st 1 Annual Apple Day
Concerns have been raised about the number of diseased horse chestnut trees at Norfolk Join us in the Orchard at St Elizabeth’s Centre on Road Playing Fields and we are waiting for the report from the District Arboriculturalist, but Saturday 11th October it may mean that some extensive tree surgery is required. 11am ~ 3pm
With the Buntingford Heritage Centre new opening hours of 10:00am - 4:00pm, Mondays There will be lots for all to enjoy…… to Thursdays (subject to the Town Clerk's office being open), you can now wander around the Heritage Centre in the Manor House most week days, and with these less restrictive Apple Picking times, it is hoped that the new arrangements will enable more people to visit and don't Apple Bobbing ~ Toffee Apples forget that admission is free. Home Made Soup, Cakes and Teas Ash Vale Plants Buntingford's Mayor, Councillor Surjit Basra, has been very busy in his first few months in Gabriels Local Honey office and has attended in excess of 18 events on behalf of the Town. This included a trip East of England Apples & Orchard Project to Ólvega, Buntingford's Twin Town in Spain (which he funded himself), where I‟m told he will be identifying apple varieties admirably represented us. He will also be travelling to Luynes in France in October. If your club or organisation has any special events planned and you would like the Mayor to For further information contact: attend, please let us know.
Liz Smith on 01279 844257 The Civic Society very kindly supplied the funds for the new boundary signs for the Town, Ash Vale, St Elizabeth’s Centre, Much Hadham, Herts. SG10 6EW as featured in the September issue of the Journal. We would like to thank them for their generosity. Reg. Charity No: 1068661 You may have seen notices stating that East Herts intend to introduce parking restrictions in and around Bowling Green Lane. With the advent of parking charges in the car park, 'I REALISE' many people have been parking in Bowling Green Lane and this has further exacerbating the problem of congestion when the schools start and finish. It is also intended to amend I've had an operation and I'm walking rather slow, the waiting times for free parking in designated bays around the Town to one hour as at I'm not supposed to stretch.....and I'm not to bend down low. the moment there are a mixture of waiting times ranging from half an hour to two hours, There are rules that should be followed to the letter it would seem...... which is proving confusing to motorists. if I follow one completely I'm like the cat who got the cream!
But...... all this has made me realise that some people have no choices, TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR THE MONTH OF They walk slowly all the time and have frail or silent voices. Thursday 2nd Amenities Committee - 7.30pm These are they who've grown old in years Thursday 9th Planning Committee - 7.30pm and weak in body but rich in fears. Thursday 9th Resources Committee - 8.00pm So...... take more time to walk at their speed, Thursday 30th Planning Committee - 7.30pm respect their feelings, of their need take heed. Thursday 30th Full Council - 8.00pm There is no shame in slowing down...say "hello" - give a smile, erase their frown. Men and women who lived through the war...... their care shouldn't be thought a chore.
We owe them greatly, so show some care.....it will come to us all - so better beware.
All meetings will be held at The Manor House. After writing this it's made me realise that I will All Members of the Public are welcome to attend. stand tall in life to help that 'Mary' or that 'Bill'. Office hours: Monday – Thursday 9.00am - 5.00pm, closed Fridays. How wonderful it would be if we all helped each other, and had respect for the feelings of each person one to another. Tel: 01763 272222 I realise I'm lucky 'cos I'm getting better every day...... email: [email protected] I only wish everyone could have it just this way. www.buntingfordtowncouncil.co.uk By Teresa Bonner
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THE BUNTINGFORD CLASSIC 2008 GARDENING YEAR OCTOBER Saturday 6th September saw the 8th Buntingford Classic Car Show. Despite a dreadful weather forecast for the day, the High Street was once again filled with a spectacular Now we are well into autumn it‟s time to prepare the garden for winter. August and early to selection of cars and bikes, old and new. The weather was, for once this year, kinder and mid September were very wet but let‟s hope we get some dry spells in October as there is by early afternoon the many visitors to the Town were milling amongst the vehicles and still a lot to keep us busy in the garden. being entertained by the live bands. General It was good to see a couple of new local businesses at the show - Hailwood Motorcycle Cut down dead flower stems and tidy the borders. Restorations and Greenwood Motor Sports - the latter displaying, amongst other vehicles, Compost all suitable green material. a 1950's Ferrari worth upwards of a half a million pounds! Tidy the leaf falls so there is not a build up, especially on the lawn.
Prizes for the various awards were presented by the Mayor Councillor Surjit Basra with the Vegetables Dickie Burrell award for best bike being presented by the late Dickie's daughter Poppy. Harvest last of the seasons vegetables. Carry out winter digging once vegetable patch is cleared. Plant spring cabbage and towards the end of the month garlic.
Trees and Shrubs Once again the show proved Cut back tall shrubs and check all tree ties are secure. a great success and thanks Plant bare rooted plants towards end of month once leaves have fallen. should be given to the organising committee and the Cut back hardy fuchsias. many helpers on the day. Choose new acers now as you can see their leaf colours in their autumn glory.
Lawns Start to reduce frequency of mowing and raise blades. To save raking, use a rotary lawn mower on a high setting to pick up leaves. Lay turf for new lawns.
Flowers & Patio Pots Replace summer bedding with winter/spring bedding as flowering finishes. Start planting spring bulbs in beds and containers. Greenwood Motorsport’s TVR Griffiths Reduce the amount of watering in tubs and containers.
Ponds Have a good clear out by cutting down marginal plants and scoop out as much bottom sludge as possible. Rotting material left in now will reduce oxygen in the water that fish need to survive over the winter. Cover ponds with netting to keep out falling leaves.
Top Tips Bring in tender plants now. Any you can‟t bring under cover protect from frosts with horticultural fleece. Pick and store apples and pears.
Brian Lemay
[email protected] Maserati Motorcycle Maserati 18 31
LAURA NUTTALL - MISS HERTFORDSHIRE UPDATE
ighteen year old Laura was chosen out of 200 other competitors to attend the final ten girls of „Miss Europe E st Junior and World UK 2008‟ which was held on Sunday 31 August 2008. Laura came 5th at the event which was held at The Holiday Inn, London-Kensington Forum.
On 3rd September, Laura was invited to be in the audience of „Big Brothers Big Mouth‟ with Davina McCall, which was a great experience. Laura had to be very quiet as she walked past the Big Brother house and said that Davina was lovely and very funny.
For winning the „Best Swimwear Model‟ at Miss England, Laura‟s prize was to fly out to Paris on 6th September and attend a three-day trade show at „The Mode City Show‟ with Aguaclara. Laura had a fantastic time and had a view of the Eiffel Tower out of her hotel bedroom window.
Laura has other plans in the pipeline and we will keep you updated in future issues.
Furneux Festival 2008 Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October
A weekend of fun and entertainment
including:
Art Exhibition, Football Tournament, Classic Cars, Dog Show, Produce and Craft Stalls, Live Music, BBQ, Scarecrow Competition, Harvest Flower Displays, Photographic Competition
This year the Romans are coming. Listen to their stories, see how they dressed and what tools and weapons they used.
www.furneuxfestival.com
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DID YOU KNOW? BUNTINGFORD COUGARS Invalid carriages and the law
The following is based on the 1988 Traffic Act No. 2268
There are three classes of invalid carriage:
ello there and welcome to the first addition of Buntingford Cougars new Class 1 - is not mechanically driven. newsletter. My name is Jason Rowley and for this football season and beyond, I Class 2 - is mechanically driven but is limited to 4mph. have the honour of being the Chairman of Buntingford Cougars. This year we Class 3 - is mechanically driven exceeding 4mph but not exceeding 8 mph. H have 20 teams representing us from the Under 6‟s to an adults team. As is always Cougars goal, we will be trying to bring football to as many children as we can, Class 1 and 2 have general use of the footway. whether it be directly through representing the club or via our growing links with the schools and, as it is, we have over 250 children in the club. This makes us the largest Class 2 and 3 must not sound the horn (if fitted in the sporting club in Buntingford. case of Class 2) during the period of 11:30pm and 07:00am.
For my part, I have been part of the Cougars set-up for nearly seven years and as anyone Class 3 must not be driven on footways unless it is who becomes involved with us will vouch, it can be an extremely rewarding occupation, fitted with a speed indicator and a control that limits but also a very time-consuming one. Somehow though, despite the workload, we still the speed to 4mph (which is the speed limit for manage to find new Managers and helpers every year, who once they become part of the footways). It also cannot be driven by anyone under 14 club, invariably go on to take much greater roles. That said though, we would never years of age and must be fitted with an audible horn discourage any of you from wanting to become involved, whether you are a budding not being a reversing alarm or a two-tone horn. Manager, an able helper, or maybe there is a frustrated Referee in you that is trying to escape! For the full regulations go to the Office of Public Sector Information website www.opsi.gov.uk Whatever it might be, even if you just want to come forward to tell your Manager that he's doing a good job, we welcome feedback (positive or negative). Even more so now, as we try to tailor this Newsletter to suit you. ST. MARY'S – ASPENDEN ST. PETER'S – BUNTINGFORD I would like to wish all the children the very best of luck for the season and let's hope we ST. MARY THE VIRGIN – WESTMILL have as much success as last year. Church of England Jason Rowley Rev. Norman Richards (01763 271552) PLAYERS REQUIRED Curate Rev. Glyn Howdle (01920 469632) We are currently looking for any children from the ages of 6 to 16 that would like to play Other Ministries include: Children‟s groups and activities, football. If you or your child would like to play, then please give us a call. Small groups (meeting for Bible study, prayer and fellowship, Contact [email protected] or 07786 933963 for more details. Men‟s group, Mothers‟ Union) There is a full and varied pattern of worship across the three churches
Focus on a Team SERVICES FOR OCTOBER Each month will we focus on a team and to get us going this month, it‟s the under 14‟s. 1st 09:30am St. Peter's - Buntingford Said Holy Communion (BCP)
th Most of the U14‟s squad have been together from Under 7‟s and are managed by Darren 5 09:30am St. Mary the Virgin - Westmill Holy Communion Harvest 11:00am St. Peter's - Buntingford All Age Family Worship Fitzgerald. The boy‟s train on a Friday, with games being played on Sundays at their home ground at The Bury, the old Sainsbury‟s depot site. The U14‟s are now in their 3rd season 12th 09:30am St. Mary's - Aspenden Holy Communion at 11-a-side football, playing in the Royston Crow League Division 2. Their best success 11:00am St. Peter's - Buntingford Morning Worship having been last year when they finished 5th and just 5 points off promotion. The boys hold 5:45pm Nevetts Songs of Praise the title of Cougars 5-a-side tournament winners at U9 and 10‟s level and hope to win it 19th 10:00am St. Peter's - Buntingford Family Praise again this year. 10:15am St. Mary the Virgin - Westmill United Holy Communion
6:30pm St. Peter's - Buntingford Prayer Meeting The under 14‟s have also had a great day out at Stevenage Borough Football club this September, being ball boys for the game and hope to return later in the season to do it 26th 09:30am St. Mary's - Aspenden Morning Worship again. 11:00am St. Peter's - Buntingford Holy Communion
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BUNTINGFORD AND DISTRICT SOCIAL CLUB C I U affiliated This year the squad have a new sponsor, which is Meura, a local company in Buntingford, 6 Church Street, Buntingford, Herts. SG9 9AS based at Parkside Industrial Park. Darren and the boys would like to thank everyone at Telephone 01763 271889 Meura for the support for this year. www.buntingfordsocialclub.com www.lemonrock.com/buntingfordanddistrictsocialclub This year’s team squad is: EVERY MONDAY Toby Greig Goalkeeper George Harris Midfield Lewis Fitzgerald Defender/Goalkeeper Jonathan Bowell Midfield BIG CASH BINGO! Scott Caine Defender Danny Skipp Midfield
Guaranteed £100 minimum snowball prize Rees Camper Defender Callum Marshall Midfield/Forward Louis Ganellin Defender/Midfield Ryan Newey Midfield/Forward ALL WELCOME – start time 8pm William Silverosa Midfield/Defender Harry Clifford Midfield/Forward Lets give you a reminder of events Jamie Simpson Midfield/Defender Darren Aldridge Forward ALL MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS SHOWN, TIMES PERMITTING There is a quiz on every 2nd Tuesday in the month
♪ Live entertainment most Saturdays ♫ Plus: Darts ▪ Pool ▪ Snooker ▪ Wii machine ▪ Sky sports and Setanta We have Club Knockouts for Darts, Crib, Pool, Snooker and Wii Bowling AND DON‟T FORGET, WE SELL THE CHEAPEST PINT IN BUNTINGFORD! New members always welcome and for any of you lapsed members, you are always welcome to rejoin at anytime.
SOME EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY
th FRIDAY 14 NOVEMBER Children in Need at the Social Club - come and join in the fun and frolics. All proceeds donated to Children in Need
th SATURDAY 15 NOVEMBER SPECIAL NIGHT The Professionals - Tribute band with a difference and Paul Scott - compare and singer
Cougars club would like to wish Darren and his squad the very best of luck this year, and let's hope they can get promotion into Division 1. SATURDAY NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT (Subject to change) th If you want to know more about this great Cougars club, then please contact Dave on 4 October Blues with a Feeling 07786 933963. 11th October Maxwell Hammer and Smith 18th October The Love Cats CHARITY FUN QUIZ NIGHT 25th October Phoenix In aid of Cancer Research MEMBERS FREE, GUESTS £4 WHEN ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED OR £7 SPECIAL NIGHT Thanks to the 40 or so people who joined us at The Crown on Saturday 13th To see more information about the bands go to: September - we raised (at the time of going to press) £530.00 - taking our total www.lemonrock.com/buntingfordanddistrictsocialclub to over £3,500.00.
Next quiz will be in the New Year.
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SPUD YOU LIKE Buntingford Swimming Club If the media is to believed there is much gnashing of teeth and lamentations from the Buntingford Swimming Club population due to the credit crunch. Belts have to be tightened, be that Gucci or Louis Vuitton and at a last ditch the new essential, HD home cinema is put on hold. It is even he Club took part in the annual 'Brocks' Swimming Gala, organised by the been said that some may have to cut back on the table wine, or go without a holiday, how Broxbourne Swimming Club at the beginning of September. Swimming against will we cope? Will there be an increased demand for stress counselling, or yoga if we can‟t four other clubs, it was a very exciting event with many close finishes to the races. get our nails done this week or that essential piercing or tattoo? The Club eventually finished in 4th place but, as can be seen, the points T differences were very small indeed. During the gala, the swimmers achieved another 16 Stress, we don‟t know the meaning of the word. I sometimes wonder how we would have personal best times. We did win 7 races and these were by Kira Faik - 25 metres Butterfly; coped with what our mothers and fathers had to deal with. Emma Calder - 50 metres Backstroke; Georgina Heaton - 25 Metres Backstroke; Evie Rowe - 25 Metres Butterfly; Sophie Parslow - 25 Metres Backstroke; Meridith Moody - 25 Returning from his stint repelling the Hun, father took on two jobs to keep food on the table metres Breaststroke and the U/11 medley relay team of Sophie Parslow, Kira Faik, and mother cleaned the houses of local dignitaries as well as helping out in the green- Jasmine Mitcham and Saffron Thomas. houses, but we still had to hide from the telly man and the rent man on occasions. Every chance to earn a bit extra was grabbed with both hands, be that picking apples, shooting Final result..... Hertford 82, Stevenage 129, Broxbourne 136, Buntingford 139 and blue tits with our air riffles at 6d each to keep them of the apple tree buds, working in the Letchworth 155. green-houses, or that seasonal past time, spud picking. The following week we went to the pool at Borehamwood to compete in the Hertsmere This spud picking work came in the autumn at half term. How the women found out when Challenge Trophy and again did very well indeed. We were swimming against seven other this work was available I am not sure, but on the first morning a tractor and trailer would Clubs for a large cup in a 'time banded' gala which again meant that it was exciting to turn up on our council estate, where we had just been given a smashing new house with a watch, with many close finishes guaranteed. The swimmers responded with another 23 bath and an indoor loo. (When did these great places, full of hope, turn to the by word of personal best times and six individual wins and one relay win. The winners were Scot all that is wrong with our society?) All the women and their herds of children, some in Curtis, Adam Sheahan, Robbie Norman, Alex Close, Charlotte Johnson, Sophie Parslow prams, were helped up onto the trailer where we all balanced precariously on bales of and the relay team of Sophie Parslow, Kira Faik, Jessica Paxman and Catriona Hayes. straw. The lead in the competition changed quite a few times, and we took our turn for about 16 races in the middle of the gala. We again briefly held the lead towards the end but just The trailer took off for the nearest farm and bumped along rutted tracks almost spilling its failed to maintain it but the result was very close at the end. motley load as all clutched on as we hurtled onwards. Eventually we arrived at the allotted field and all the people scrambled off and the tractor was detached and hooked up to the Everybody at the Club is delighted with the commitment being shown at present by the spinner. Meanwhile we got our instructions and kit from our mums whilst the wind and swimmers, who will have to be at their best at the end of the month, when the final round more often than not rain whipped at our bare legs. of this years 'Peanut' competition is being swum at Hemel Hempstead. The Club are currently in 7th position and should be able to maintain their position in the second division Kitting up meant picking up the sacks that were in a heap at the side of the field, each of of that league. us took three. One to tuck into your belt to act as an apron, one to fold in a corner and act as an improvised hood and cloak to keep the wind and rain off and one to put the potatoes As usual, if there are any youngsters out there [especially boys] who think they can benefit in. from joining a swimming club, come and see us on any Thursday evening.
The babies were left in their prams at the side of the field and only attended to if their Alan Bowell - Head Coach Buntingford Swimming Club - Telephone 01920 821722 wailing could be heard above the wind and tractor exhaust. Meanwhile the rest of us waited with anticipation for the tractor, driven by Brusher, to pass by, spinning out clods of earth and potatoes in all directions. We all dived in under the whirling blades to be first at RIVER RIB RAILINGS the spuds. Scooping up the biggest specimens as they filled the sacks quicker and at a shilling a hundred weight sack, sharps the word. The environment agency has advised that the remaining handrails will be replaced with new railings to match the newly installed rails, but not until they reach the end of their life. After an hour or so with aching back and legs, hands encrusted with dirt the wind lashing at uncovered knees and calfs showing red chaffing where our wellies cut, the original In the meantime, to reduce the risk of pedestrians falling through them, they will be suitable 'infilled'. euphoria of the bob a bag was wearing thin. Some of the younger children had got fed up and wandered off, or just stood in the field snivelling ,because they were cold, only to be At the time of going to press, no date has been given when these works will commence. chastised by the mums which only made them more miserable and tears cut rivulets in their mud covered faces. ST DEADLINE FOR NOVEMBER JOURNAL IS TUESDAY 21 OCTOBER, PLEASE SEE PAGE 7 FOR DETAILS
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B UNTINGFORD C IVIC S OCIETY Lunchtime arrived and all the mums and their off-spring staggered to the side of the field 'HAVE A VOICE' - GET INVOLVED and collapsed, whilst Brusher had re-hitched the trailer and, together with the farmer‟s son, humped the loaded sacks aboard. At each section Brusher noted the tally for each family in a red exercise book. He made these notations with an indelible pencil which he licked before every entry and which left a mauve streak on his lower lip. Over the past few weeks I have had conversations with several principals of sports teams, clubs and amenity societies. It appears that each organisation is facing the same dilemma expressed as " Who will take over when I step down?"
This concern is usually qualified by an account of the organisations many achievements over a large number of years and a feeling of disappointment that initiatives which enrich the Town, will come to an end.
The population of Buntingford is gradually growing and there must be a section of our townsfolk who have an affection for, and desire that, the activities they so welcome continue to flourish in Buntingford.
So, the challenge is to identify the organisations that you wish to prosper and make yourself known and get involved. Make things happen!
The benefit is the reward of contributing to our community and the knowledge that you have ensured the team, the society, or the club, that you care about, continues.
Derek K Cooper, Chairman n.b. Railings along the Rib Church Street resurfaced High Street pavements Is it possible that Buntingford is at last being cared for?
Millfield First and Nursery School
Meanwhile, whilst the mothers passed around the lunch sandwiches and tea from a flask, We are just starting the new term and have welcomed new children into our Nursery and we took the opportunity to explore and settle old scores with other boys and a well aimed Reception Class. The elections for the new School Council are about to happen and the clod of earth had a satisfying effect when on target. Others were dispatched by the children will vote for two pupils to represent each class in KS1 and KS2. The new mothers to collect mushrooms, blackberries and sometimes rose hips for which there was Assembly Committee and Eco-Action team are also being chosen. a ready market. The women shared what ever they had with one another and took care of each others children, often finding time to play games with us or enthral us with stories This term the whole school is studying the theme of „Into the Past‟. KS1 are looking and observations of the surrounding countryside and all that was in it. My mother would forward to a visit from 'Florence Nightingale' who will be teaching them about her life. KS2 “cure” warts on the children‟s hands by breaking a plant and rubbing the milky sap on the are studying life in Britain during the time of the Celts and Romans. All the children will be offending growth and show us how to calm stings from nettles with a broken dock leaf. dressing up to stage a battle between the Celts and the Romans. They are also going to Sometimes Brusher would turn up with a rabbit which was gutted there and then to the visit the Anglo-Saxon Village at West Stow. delight of the children. Continued over ....
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Too soon it was time to get on with it again and the green yellow foliage of the field was BUNTINGFORD TOWN FC gradually replaced by the chocolate coloured earth as it was divested of its bounty. www.buntingfordtownfc.com Eventually, the mist of the autumn afternoon announced that it was time to pack up and all was loaded back up onto the trailer for the trip home. fter the initial seven games of the season it is quite plain to see that our First Team squad is struggling to find any kind of consistency, with the sequence of As the prams and children were unloaded in the twilight, Brusher would oft remark as he results being Lost, Won, Lost, Won, Lost, Won, Lost - nice and symmetrical, but heaved a pram to the ground, “your litlun‟s put on weight luv” to which the reply was “it A not what we would have hoped for. Thankfully, way back in 1981, the Football must be all that fresh air”. League changed to the „three points for a win‟ system, so we have gained 2 more points than a consistent seven draws would have delivered! So much for consistency…
On getting in-doors, baby was taken out and the bottom of the pram lifted to reveal half a The Reserves have had a really tough time and, at the time of writing, have experienced dozen oven busters for tea! three defeats, two in the League and one in the Reserve Cup. We have a number of very young players in the squad whose efforts have been admirable and they really have great Once ready for bed we were given our wages for the day according to each ones efforts, potential. However, we need three or four experienced older heads alongside them in which often caused an argument that persisted until sleep overcame us and in a moment, order to get the best out of their youthful exuberance. If you think you are up to the mark, it was time to get up and start all over again. please contact me or manager Tyrone Parry.
On a good week mum could make just enough to pay the coal man. No nail bars for her, Talking of older heads, sixteen differing varieties (including curly, ginger, thinning, greying no indispensable glass for the stress and no game-boy for us, just a lesson on how to and shiny) from our Veteran‟s squad went out to Olvega during September for four days survive and work with one another to make a day tolerable and appreciate what we had. to test themselves against continental opposition. Unfortunately one of the two planned fixtures was cancelled, but in the other Town‟s old boys lost 7-3. A better performance I never once heard my mother moan about stress, or the fact she found it hard to make than last year however, and the opposition were all a good deal younger than us. Yet ends meet, and whatever the problems and hardships she faced, her children were her again the reception we received from the residents of the town was second-to-none and priority, often going without herself so we had a meal. Despite all these privations she the pitch immaculate. Also, as it was „fiesta‟ weekend, the place was a hive of activity with always had time to read us a story, play games and a comforting word when things got live music and dancing in the square until five in the morning. Thanks to Alan Kinnear, for tough. organising the trip, and a big „gracias‟ to Olvega for being perfect hosts.
Stress, we don‟t know the meaning of the word. VYSE
BUNTINGFORD GARDENERS CLUB
Buntingford Gardeners Club met on Wednesday 3rd September when we had a very entertaining and informative evening. Ione Woodger-Smith, from Crazy Daisy florists, told us about entering displays for Chelsea and we watched with awe as she created amazing floral displays, right before our eyes.
Our members were reminded about the trip to Bressingham Gardens and Steam Museum on Friday 10th October and it was decided to open the invitation to any members of the Upcoming Fixtures: Sept 27th First Team v Metropolitan Police - home As always, for a fully up-to-date public that might be interested in going. The trip costs £23, which covers transportation by fixture list, check our website, 31-seater coach and the entrance fee. So if you would like to join us for the trip, please Reserves v Evergreen Res - away th www.buntingfordtownfc.com call our secretary, Sue, on 01763 271093 for more information or to book your place. Sept 28 Vets v Royston Vets - away First Team v Bedmond Sports & Social Club -away which is updated regularly. th st Oct 4 Reserves v Codicote Res - home Our next meeting is on Wednesday 1 October at 8:00pm at the URC Hall in Baldock Oct 5th Vets v Ashwell Vets - home Road. Jacques Armand will be giving a talk on bulbs which should be a very good evening Oct 18th First Team v Wormley Rovers - away Chris Thurgill and one not to be missed. The cost to Club members is £1 and for visitors is £1.50 - so do Reserves v London Lions Res -home Chairman, Buntingford Town FC come along. Oct 19th Vets v Enfield Vets - home email: [email protected] Oct 25th Reserves v Chipperfield Corinthians (Herts Margaret Howarth - 01763 289211 Intermediate Cup) - away Oct 26th Vets v Vintage Dundee - home 24 25